Louis Bigmann

Louis-Emile Bigmann (1897–1986) was a Gabonese politician and former President of the National Assembly of Gabon.

Early life and political career A member of the Mpongwe people, he was born and lived in Baraka, Gabon. Bigmann attended the Ecole Montfort in Libreville, Gabon's capital. Noted Mpongwe critic of colonialism Laurent Antchouey and he founded the "L'Echo Gabonais" in Dakar in 1922.

Bigmann was appointed President of the National Assembly by Gabonese President Leon M'ba in 1961 while its former officeholder, Paul Gondjout, was incarcerated. The gendarmes on duty claimed that this was but a military exercise. However, during the "exercise" the lieutenants dragged President M'ba from his bed at gunpoint. Bongo heard this noise and telephoned Bigmann to find out what had happened. Bigmann arrived at the presidential palace and asked the rebels what Bongo had asked him. At this point they opened the gates and arrested him too. The plotters subsequently arrested every member of the Gabonese cabinet except the respected technician André Gustave Anguilé. On Radio Libreville, the military announced to the Gabonese people that a coup d'état had taken place, asked for technical assistance, and told the French not to interfere in this matter. M'ba was forced to broadcast a speech acknowledging his defeat, in which he said, "The D-Day is here, the injustices are beyond measure, these people are patient, but their patience has limits. It came to a boil."

No blood was shed during the event, and when the Gabonese people did not respond violently the military interpreted this as a sign of approval. Aubame was offered the presidency of the newly formed provisional government. The government was composed of civilian politicians from both the UDSG and BDG, such as Gondjout. The coup's leaders were content at restoring security for the civilians. The small Gabonese army did not intervene; composed mostly of French officers, they remained in their barracks.

The provisional government gave instructions to transfer M'ba to Aubame's electoral stronghold, Njolé. Due to heavy rain, the deposed president was sent to Lambaréné, In Paris, President Charles de Gaulle decided against the plea. Moreover, under his regime, Europeans were particularly well treated. During the operation, a French soldier and 15 to 25 Gabonese died.